Tidal Wave: Aromatic Gin Tiki Drinks

Y’all are about to meet a gin tiki cocktail that turns heads. The Tidal Wave is bright, ocean colored and full of serious flavor. It brings tropical depth with a blue wave effect that looks dramatic without asking you to work too hard.

We teamed up with @the.sauceress to share this beauty. The blend of gin and cachaça creates a balanced base that feels thoughtful and fresh.

What is a Tidal Wave Gin Tiki Drink?

The Tidal Wave breaks the usual tiki rules. Most tiki drinks lean heavy on rum. This one uses Magellan Gin with cachaça for a complex and balanced core. Kēkē Key Lime Pie Liqueur, coconut milk and El Guapo Cuban Bitters add creamy brightness. Blue Curaçao gives the drink its ocean look. The result is layered, refreshing and polished.

How to Make the Tidal Wave Cocktail

Simple steps. Big payoff.

Tidal Wave Cocktail Ingredients

x @the.sauceress

• 1 oz Cachaça (she used Abelha Cachaça)
• 1 oz Magellan Gin
• 1 oz Kēkē Key Lime Pie Liqueur
• .25 oz Blue Curaçao (she used Giffard)
• 1 oz Unsweetened Coconut Milk
• 3 Dashes El Guapo™ Cuban Bitters
• 1 Bar spoon Jasmine Syrup (recipe below)
• 1 Bar spoon Satsuma & Grapefruit Oleo Saccharum (recipe below)
• Small Squeeze of lime
• Fresh lime wheel & dehydrated pineapple wedge, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pour Blue Curaçao into the bottom of a chilled glass.
   
2. Add all remaining ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Stir to blend in the syrups.
   
3. Fill the shaker with crushed or nugget ice. Shake until cold.
   
4. Pour everything into the glass. Hold the glass slightly sideways to let the blue wave climb the side.
   
5. Finish with a lime wheel and a dehydrated pineapple wedge.

Jasmine Syrup

• 1 cup White Sugar
• 1 cup Water
• .5 cup Fresh Jasmine Flowers

1. Bring water to a boil. Lower to medium heat.
   
2. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
   
3. Add jasmine flowers and let them simmer for ten minutes.
   
4. Remove from heat. Cool. Strain into a jar. Keeps refrigerated for up to two weeks.

Satsuma & Grapefruit Oleo Saccharum

• 1 cup White Sugar
• 2 Lemons
• 1 Large Grapefruit
• 2 or 3 Satsumas

1. Peel fruit in wide strips. Avoid the white pith.
   
2. Toss zest with sugar in a bowl and muddle gently.
   
3. Cover and let rest for a few hours or up to a day.
   
4. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and press firmly on the zest to release the oils. Keeps refrigerated for up to a week.

Layering Complexity in a Gin Tiki Drink

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the cachaça or gin?

Yes. The pairing of gin and cachaça gives the Tidal Wave its character. You can use a light rum in place of the cachaça or swap in another botanical forward gin.

What is Oleo Saccharum?

Oleo Saccharum is a classic cocktail ingredient made by mixing citrus peels with sugar. The sugar pulls out the fragrant oils to create a rich syrup.

Why use crushed ice?

Crushed or nugget ice chills quickly and adds the right amount of dilution and texture. It makes tiki drinks shine.